This is a recording of the 1983 ESIPA production of Tim Mason and Joe Raposo's "Raggedy Ann & Andy," a precursor to the Gibson and Raposo "Raggedy Ann" musical that made its way to Broadway.

Synopsis: “I’m sick of make-believe. I want the real thing,” declares the rebellious Andy as he and the other dolls belonging to a little girl named Marcella are about to be shipped to their new story-book-like home in Apple Valley, U.S.A. Rather than run away on his own, Andy conspires to have the whole toy chest full of dolls sent to a carnival instead of Marcella’s new address. The carnival is badly in need of a new act, and Andy convinces owner Cornelius J. Tinker that the dolls can turn his traveling disaster into a success. The Raggedys’ all-doll revue is such a triumph that the troupe of talented toys is abducted by the bearded lady’s mean brother, Big Frankie Malone. Dancing and singing their way to stardom and cash advantage for the conniving Malone, the dolls discover that “the real thing,” even when you are famous, is meaningless without love. (Daily Gazette, December 20, 1983)

Cast:

Marcella - Mirinda Lynn Staats

Mother - Carole B. Smith

Father - Richard A. Walsh

Stella - Helena Binder

Uncle Clem - Gary O. Aldrich

Raggedy Ann - Ivy Austin

Jock - Murray Phillips

Penny - Caren McGee-Russell

Henny - Michael Jahoda

Teddy Bear - Brian Kaman

Emily - Carolyn Marble Valentis

Nanette - Jeanne Vigliante

Lance - Stephen Carey

Raggedy Andy - Mark Baker

Roustabouts - The ESIPA Ensemble

Cornelius J. Tinker - William Linton

Young Boy - Jamie Wolkenbreit

Delivery Men:

Fred - John Thomas McGuire III

Clyde - Bruce David Jennings

Tina Tinker - Karen Shallo

Fatima - Betsy Normile

Bertha the Barker - Carole B. Smith

Exotica the Snake Charmer - Gwynne Smith

Flying Finellis:

Daniella - Robyn Miller

Massemo - David Mark Bunce

Gabriella - Laura Carusone

Bruno the Strong Man - Stefan Harris

Sydney - Joel Aroeste, Stefan Harris

Big Frankie Malone - Don Correia

Nickie - Tom Pletto

Walter Winchell - Gary Deming

Fans - The ESIPA Ensemble

Model I - Scott Schafer

Model II - Robyn Miller

Contestants - Robert Couture, John Hickey, Patrick Jameson, Joe Ventura
Shirley Temple - Cathy Reynolds

Andy Child - Sarah Joy Klinowski

Doctors - Bruce David Jennings, John Thomas McGuire III, Richard A. Walsh

Whistle-Stop Crowd - The ESIPA Ensemble

Big Frankie Malone's Girls - Laura Carusone, Christine Hughes

Ann Child - Marnie Nicolella

Conductor - David Mark Bunce

Passengers - The ESIPA Ensemble

Man - John Thomas McGuire III

Woman - Carole B. Smith

Porter I - Gary Deming

Porter II - Joe Ventura

Reporters:

Ben - Bruce David Jennings

Buzz - Richard A. Walsh

M.C. - Gary Deming

The ESIPA Ensemble: David Mark Bunce, Carolee Carmello, Laura Carusone, Robert Couture, Gary Deming, John Hickey, Patrick Jameson, Bruce David Jennings, Karen Kinbar, John Thomas McGuire III, Robyn Miller, Margot Murphy, Stephanie Pitcher, Scott Schafer, Carole B. Smith, Gwynne Smith, Joe Ventura, Richard A. Walsh